Rural teacher leadership in science and mathematics |
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Authors: | Christine Lotter Jan A Yow Melinda Lee Jodi G Zeis Matthew J Irvin |
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Institution: | 1. Instruction & Teacher Education, College of Education, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina;2. Francis Marion University, Florence, South Carolina;3. Department of Educational Studies, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina |
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Abstract: | This study adds to our understanding of science and mathematics teacher leadership in rural schools. Through In Vivo and Concept coding of teacher interviews, we investigated 20 secondary science and mathematics teachers' perceptions of rural teacher leadership during their participation in a three-year professional development program. As the teachers developed as teacher leaders, they broadened their focus from improving their own students' learning to sharing new knowledge learned through the program with other teachers both informally and formally. We compared our program components to the Teacher Leader Model Standards and added an emphasis on the importance of disciplinary content knowledge. We also identified patterns in science and mathematics teacher leadership that are contextually connected to teachers' instruction in rural high poverty schools. Rural teacher leadership included the importance of building strong teacher–student relationships, providing new academic opportunities for students, encouraging students' success, and building community connections. |
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Keywords: | professional development rural education secondary mathematics secondary science teacher leadership |
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